As the title implies, this isn't a film about Eichmann's trial and execution, it's about Malkin's role in the capture of Eichmann and his imprisonment before his flight to face his accusers. Made for TV movies are usually mediocre affairs, but in all honesty The Man Who Captured Eichmann is head & shoulders above average. This is largely due to the exceptional acting abilities of the two main protagonists, played by Robert Duvall and Arliss Howard.
Duvall is superb as Eichmann, the bureaucratic SS pen pusher whose ruthless efficiency sent millions of innocent people to their deaths in the Nazi Europe of the 1940's. His physical likeness is uncanny, and he does a fine job with the German accent and Eichmann's cold, matter-of-fact mannerisms. Howard is equally as impressive as Malkin, the Israeli Secret Service agent whostrikes up conversations with his captive at their hideout in Argentina, following Eichmann's capture. He is very impressive portraying his character's roller-coaster ride of emotions, from bewilderment and frustration to despair, anger and loss.
The movie itself is good in that it keeps things simple, from a short intro showing how the Israeli's learned of Eichmann's hideout, to the formation of the team sent to Argentina to kidnap Eichmann and bring him to Israel to stand trial for his horrendous crimes against humanity. It wastes no time in getting to the high point of the piece, the abduction of Eichmann outside his modest home in a Buenos Aires suburb. The remainder of the movie sees Malkin go against his directives and strike up a relationship with his quarry, asking the questions that have haunted him since the war, such as "how did it happen", "why did it happen", and "why you?". The performances are spellbinding. Highly recommended for anyone with even a passing interest in the subject matter or anyone who enjoys marveling at performers at the top of their game.
Duvall is superb as Eichmann, the bureaucratic SS pen pusher whose ruthless efficiency sent millions of innocent people to their deaths in the Nazi Europe of the 1940's. His physical likeness is uncanny, and he does a fine job with the German accent and Eichmann's cold, matter-of-fact mannerisms. Howard is equally as impressive as Malkin, the Israeli Secret Service agent whostrikes up conversations with his captive at their hideout in Argentina, following Eichmann's capture. He is very impressive portraying his character's roller-coaster ride of emotions, from bewilderment and frustration to despair, anger and loss.
The movie itself is good in that it keeps things simple, from a short intro showing how the Israeli's learned of Eichmann's hideout, to the formation of the team sent to Argentina to kidnap Eichmann and bring him to Israel to stand trial for his horrendous crimes against humanity. It wastes no time in getting to the high point of the piece, the abduction of Eichmann outside his modest home in a Buenos Aires suburb. The remainder of the movie sees Malkin go against his directives and strike up a relationship with his quarry, asking the questions that have haunted him since the war, such as "how did it happen", "why did it happen", and "why you?". The performances are spellbinding. Highly recommended for anyone with even a passing interest in the subject matter or anyone who enjoys marveling at performers at the top of their game.